A proposed federal ban on marine net-pen salmon farming in British Columbia could cost Canadian taxpayers an estimated CAD 9 billion (approximately $6.8 billion USD), according to a report by economic consultancy RIAS Inc.
The study, commissioned by the BC Salmon Farmers Association (BCSFA), warns of significant economic and social consequences for Indigenous communities, food security, and the broader Canadian economy.
The ban, announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government in June, forms part of a transition plan aimed at phasing out marine-based salmon farming in favor of alternative technologies. The report outlines projected annual losses, including:
- C$1.17 billion in economic activity ( USD 883 million)
- C$435 million in GDP (USD 328 million)
- C$133.6 million in revenue to First Nations (USD 101 million)
- 4,560 full-time jobs across Canada
The analysis also highlights an additional loss of 50,000 tonnes of farmed Canadian salmon annually, raising concerns over the future viability of the industry.
Industry and Indigenous Leaders Raise Alarm
Brian Kingzett, Executive Director of the BCSFA, described the ban as a “reckless decision” that neglects scientific evidence and economic realities. “BC salmon farming companies, suppliers, and First Nations have communicated to the federal government that transition cannot be a ban on marine net-pen salmon farms in less than five years while maintaining a viable farmed salmon sector,” Kingzett told the press in Ottawa.
Dallas Smith, spokesperson for the Coalition of First Nations for Finfish Stewardship, warned of severe social repercussions for Indigenous communities. “You cannot cut a cheque for the damage that will occur to impacted Indigenous communities if our salmon farming partners are forced to leave BC,” Smith said. He cited increased rates of poverty, suicide, and overdoses as potential outcomes of the ban.
Challenges for Transition
The report questions the viability of transitioning to unproven closed-containment aquaculture systems within the proposed timeline. Proponents of the salmon farming industry argue that innovative solutions should be tailored to coastal conditions and developed in collaboration with First Nations.
Kingzett also criticized the influence of anti-salmon farming activist groups, asserting that their claims about environmental risks are not supported by peer-reviewed science. Federal and independent research has consistently found that salmon farms pose “minimal risk” to wild Pacific salmon populations.
Economic and Trade Implications
The BCSFA and Coalition urge the Trudeau government to adopt a cost-neutral transition plan that avoids widespread job losses and protects First Nations’ rights. Smith emphasized the need for a balanced approach: “Given the trade and economic crisis that this country continues to face, there’s an opportunity for the government to pivot to a positive direction on the future of salmon farming in BC.”
The full RIAS Inc. report is available on the BCSFA’s website.
